Welcome to the Town of Southern Shores

Stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to Currituck Sound and Ginguite Creek, Southern Shores is a premiere residential community on the Outer Banks. Located along US158 and NC 12, Southern Shores is known for its great weather, beautiful homes and tremendous community pride.

This Site provides information for residents and visitors who want to know more about Southern Shores town government, staff and services.

Public Notice-Two Public Hearings on February 5, 2019(1/18/2019)-Notice is hereby given that the Southern Shores Town Council will hold two Public Hearings on February 5, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. in the Pitts Center located at 5377 N. Virginia Dare Trl. The purpose of the first Public Hearing is to consider ZTA-18-09, a Zoning Text Amendment application submitted by the Town of Southern […]

Planning Board will meet on January 22, 2019(1/14/2019)-Notice is hereby given that the Southern Shores Planning Board will meet on January 22, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. in the Pitts Center located at 5377 N. Virginia Dare Trl. The Board will consider CUP-19-01, an application from American Towers LLC/Verizon Wireless to modify an existing Conditional Use Permit to extend the height of the […]

Public Forum is scheduled for Thursday January 31, 2019(1/14/2019)-The public is given Notice that a Public Forum is scheduled for Thursday January 31, 2019 at 5:30-7:00 p.m. by the Town’s consultant, CodeWright Planners, for the purpose of receiving comments, questions, and concerns on the consultant’s draft of his proposed new Town Code of Ordinances which can be found at www.southernshores-nc.gov. This is not […]

Special Planning Board Meeting Recessed until January 7, 2019(1/3/2019)-Notice is hereby given that due to a power outage, the January 2, 2019 Special Southern Shores Planning Board meeting was recessed until January 7, 2019. The meeting will resume in the Pitts Center located at 5377 N. Virginia Dare Trl. at 5:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is for the Board to continue […]

Town Code Update Public Hearing Draft Now Available(12/31/2018)-The Public Hearing Draft of the Town Code Update project is now available for review which will be presented at the January 31, 2019 Town Code Update Project Public Forum. Subsequent to the Public Forum, the consultant will consider all questions, comments, and concerns in finalizing a draft to submit for review by the Planning […]

Public Forum(12/28/2018)-The public is given Notice that a Public Forum is scheduled for Thursday January 31, 2019 at 5:30-7:00 pm by the Town’s consultant, Code Wright, for the purpose of receiving comments, questions, and concerns on the consultant’s draft of his proposed new Town Code of Ordinances. This is not a meeting of the Town Council. […]

Town of Southern Shores Vulnerability Assessment & Beach Management Plan Completed(1/3/2019)-Town of Southern Shores Vulnerability Assessment & Beach Management Plan Completed As a part of its adopted FY 2018-2019 budget, the Town Council directed a study of current beach conditions and establishment of a beach management plan for use in future planning for potential nourishment of the Town’s public trust ocean beach. That study and […]

Town Code Update Public Hearing Draft Now Available(12/31/2018)-The Public Hearing Draft of the Town Code Update project is now available for review which will be presented at the January 31, 2019 Town Code Update Project Public Forum. Subsequent to the Public Forum, the consultant will consider all questions, comments, and concerns in finalizing a draft to submit for review by the Planning […]

Document Submitted at November 7th Special Meeting of the Town Council.(11/9/2018)-This document was submitted to the Town Council during the Public Comment segment of the Special Meeting of November 7, 2018 by Franklin Pringle, a resident of Charleston, South Carolina and an owner of property at 170 Ocean Boulevard. The document indicates it is a petition and is entitled “Preserve the Cottage Culture of Southern […]

Cub Scout Pack 117 Soap Box Derby(10/3/2018)-Cub Scout Pack 117 Soap Box Derby Cub Scout Pack 117 annual Soap Box Derby event is scheduled for Sunday October 14th on East Dogwood Trail in Southern Shores. East Dogwood Trail will be partially closed for a few hours on this date. The times of partial closures will be approximately 930am-3pm.

Sand Fencing-Guidelines and Exemption Criteria for the Installation of Sand Fencing(9/27/2018)-Attention: Oceanfront Property Owners In recent years, the amount of sand fencing along the coast has grown significantly as property owners have sought to protect their homes from storms and long-term beach erosion. As such, sand fencing – some of which is improperly installed or neglected – now line the town’s beach. When properly installed, […]

Veterans Day 2018 Observance(9/26/2018)-The Town of Southern Shores and the Knights of Columbus will observe Veterans Day this year with a ceremony for the public at the customary time of 11:00 AM November 11, 2018 (Sunday) – at the Town Hall Flag Pole Pavilion.

REENTRY NOTICE(9/14/2018)-REENTRY NOTICE FOR: Areas North of Oregon Inlet (including Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Manteo, Roanoke Island and the Dare County mainland) Dare County remains under a Hurricane Warning and a Storm Surge Warning that officials anticipate will remain in place through late today or Saturday due to the slow […]

TOSS RELEASE 9/14/2018-After Any Storm(9/14/2018)-After Any Storm ◾For your personal safety and to allow clearing crews unhindered work space, please do not walk outside after the storm, especially on streets. Southern Shores’ streets are covered with tree limbs that when wind-twisted, become dangerous hanging projectiles until cleared. ◾Please be cognizant of debris pick-up protocols before any yard debris is […]

After Any Storm Passes(9/13/2018)-AFTER ANY STORM PASSES – Please do not walk outside, especially on streets. Southern Shores’ streets are covered with tree limbs that when wind-twisted, become dangerous hanging projectiles until cleared. Clearing crews begin work after storm has passed.

Hurricane Florence-From Dare County Control Group 4:30 pm Wednesday Sept 12, 2018(9/12/2018)-From Dare County Control Group 4:30 pm Wednesday Sept 12, 2018 With the changing forecast, tropical storm force winds are now expected Thursday morning. As a result, there will be no restrictions on access into Dare County until 8:30 a.m. on Thursday September 13. There are no planned bridge closures, but access into the county […]

NOTICE OF INFORMATION MEETING-Wednesday September 5, 2018 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM(8/24/2018)-NOTICE OF INFORMATION MEETING An Information Meeting will be held on Wednesday September 5, 2018 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the Pitts Center at 5377 N. Virginia Dare Trail, Southern Shores, NC. The purpose is to make available to the public, design plans for a potential new fire station developed by Stewart-Copper-Newell […]

Southern Shores Trial “No-Left Turn Event” Police Dept. Report(6/28/2018)-Southern Shores Trial “No-Left Turn Event” The Southern Shores Town Council decided to implement a trial “No-left Turn Event” for eastbound traffic at the intersection of US Highway 158 and South Dogwood Trail from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on both Saturday June 23 and Sunday June 24, 2018. The Town contracted to have appropriate […]

Reminder – NO WAKE in the Canals!(6/25/2018)-Reminder – NO WAKE in the Canals! The Town Code of ordinances in Southern Shores regulates water craft speed in the Town canals as follows: Sec. 34-23. – Wakes; speed limit. The owner of any boat using the waterways shall be responsible for ensuring that the boat is operated at such speeds as to leave […]

Sign up for Emergency Alerts – Hurricane Season Began June 1(6/21/2018)-Dare County News Sign up for Emergency Alerts – Hurricane Season Began June 1 Post Date:06/21/2018 3:17 p.m. Contact Drew Pearson, EM Director Phone252.475.5655 As the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season began on June 1, communities in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico were still cleaning up from last year’s devastating hurricanes. Dare County Emergency Management […]

5-17-18-ZTA-18-07 Nonconforming Lots(5/17/2018)-ZTA-18-07 Nonconforming Lots has been revised since its initial posting. The revised Zoning Text Amendment can be found here 5-17-18 ZTA-18-07 Nonconforming Lots

Call for Action on the 2018 Dwelling Insurance Rate Filing(3/21/2018)-2018 Dwelling Filing OBAR OBHBA CALL FOR ACTION – updated Attached is a Call for Action on the 2018 Dwelling Insurance Rate Filing. Dwelling policyholders in Southern Shores are facing an increase of up to 39% on their wind coverage if this filing is not denied or negotiated to a lower rate by NC DOI Commissioner Mike Causey. The […]

Surveying work along US Hwy 158(3/13/2018)-Surveying work along US Highway 158 in the Town of Kitty Hawk from the Wright Memorial Bridge to the NC Highway 12 intersection is associated with planning for the possible future Mid-Currituck Bridge (TIP # R2576) currently still under extended environmental review by the NCDOT. The current visible work is comprised of surveying only.

Mayor Bennett’s Address to Leadership OBX’s Government Day, December 13, 2017(12/14/2017)-Mayor Bennett’s Address to Leadership OBX’s Government Day, December 13, 2017 The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Outer Banks program offers a career building/community building opportunity each year for 24 people involved with local businesses, government, and other organizations. The Leadership OBX participants meet approximately once a month over a period of nine months […]

Placement of Political Signs in Southern Shores(9/5/2017)-Placement of Political Signs in Southern Shores Town Code Sections 36-57 and 36-165 require all political signs to be taken down within three calendar days after the event (election day). NC State law (NCGS 136-32) permits signs in the right-of-way of a NC State highway beginning on the 30th day before the beginning date of […]

Beach Nourishment Public Information briefing is scheduled for Wednesday Aug. 2nd(7/26/2017)-July 26, 2017 – The anticipated start date for Southern Shores Beach Nourishment could possibly begin this weekend Saturday, July 29th or Sunday, July 30th. There is also a possibility that the start date could be moved to mid-August. A Public Information briefing is scheduled for Wednesday Aug. 2nd at 1 pm in the Pitts Center located at 5377 N. Virginia Dare Trl.

Preliminary Design of Possible Pedestrian Walkway Along East Dogwood Trail(6/26/2017)-Considering the January 17, 2017 recommendation of the South and East Dogwood Trails Task Force presented to the Southern Shores Town Council on February 7, 2017, the Council directed the design of a 5’ wide walkway along South and East Dogwood Trails. The preliminary design of the first segment is now available. The walkway is […]

NOTICE OF REVISED MEETING SCHEDULE(6/20/2017)-NOTICE OF REVISED MEETING SCHEDULE [NCGS §143-318.12(a)] In accordance with North Carolina General Statute §143-318.12(a) and §160A-71, NOTICE is hereby given to the Public that the Town Council of Southern Shores, at its Regular Meeting of June 20, 2017 did amend Resolution 2016-12-01 “COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE 2017”, by adding the following regular meeting to […]

Juniper Trail Limited Opening(6/15/2017)-*Juniper Trail Limited Opening* After hearing from officials early this morning and after meeting with the on-site Supervisor this early AM, the Town Manager releases the following information: The segment of Juniper Trail under construction will now be open for two-way vehicle traffic on Monday through Friday after and before work hours (5:00 PM – […]

Staff-Recommended FY 17-18 Capital Infrastructure Project List Now Posted(6/14/2017)-Staff-recommended infrastructure projects for FY 17-18 are now posted on the Town website on the following link. These have now been updated since they were presented to the Town Council earlier this year at its February 7, 2017 regular meeting. This posting will be advertised in a Public Hearing Notice for the Council’s WEDNESDAY July 5, […]

Vacancies for Town Boards, Commissions, and Committees(6/12/2017)-Vacancies for Town Boards, Commissions, and Committees – Residents who may be interested in future appointment to Town boards, commissions, and committees, are encouraged to submit an application form to Town Hall, 5375 N. Virginia Dare Tail, Southern Shores, NC 27949. Submitted applications will be kept on file and will be considered as vacancies become […]

Juniper Trail Construction Area(6/5/2017)-Notice: Street Construction Area on Juniper Trail has been designated today June 5, 2017 – A PORTION OF JUNIPER TRAIL WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR APPROXIMATELY 1 WEEK. Also expect temporary traffic delays. As a part of the Town’s adopted FY 2016/17 Capital Improvement Plan, a 400ft section of Juniper Trail south of the […]

Final Permit Issued for Beach Nourishment in Southern Shores(5/12/2017)-The final permit required for beach nourishment to occur on the southern portion of the public trust beach in Southern Shores has now been issued. The contractor is beginning the nourishment of the public trust beach in Duck in approximately three weeks. It is anticipated that the Kitty Hawk-Southern Shores project will commence at end […]

Sidewalk Closed – Pedestrian Detour(5/11/2017)-Due to construction along NC Highway 12 in the vicinity of East Dogwood Trail, the pedestrian sidewalk between East Dogwood Trail and Dolphin Run is temporarily closed. Signs indicating detour routes for pedestrians are in place

TOWN OF SOUTHERN SHORES PROPOSED OPERATING BUDGET FOR FY 2017-2018(5/3/2017)-NOTICE TOWN OF SOUTHERN SHORES PROPOSED OPERATING BUDGET FOR FY 2017-2018 Notice is hereby given that in accordance with the provisions of N.C.G.S. 159-12, the proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2017, for the Town of Southern Shores has been filed and submitted to the Mayor and Council and is available for […]

Budget Preparation Calendar for Fiscal Year 2017(2/10/2017)-In accordance with Chapter 159 of the NC General Statutes [NC Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act] (Meetings are all Regular Meetings – Each meeting has two (2) opportunities for Public Comment) March 21, 2017 – 9:00 AM Regular Meeting – Budget Work Session, Budget projected expenditures review – Council may direct changes. […]

The Town of Southern Shores Does Not Remove ‘Trees Owned By Property Owners’(5/8/2018)-The Town of Southern Shores Does Not Remove ‘Trees Owned By Property Owners’ The Town of Southern Shores has never removed trees from the yards of private property owners when improving public streets, despite contrary statements published in a newspaper. During capital street projects improving a Town street, work is only conducted within the boundaries […]

NC Highway 12 is Controlled by the State of North Carolina(1/30/2017)-North Carolina State Highway 12 (“NC 12”), sections of which are marked by signs in Southern Shores as “Ocean Boulevard” or “Duck Road”, is owned by the State of North Carolina and is maintained by its North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). Ownership and control of NC 12, including all its right of way, precedes […]

Southern Shores’ Participation in Dare County Occupancy Tax(1/30/2017)-The Town of Southern Shores receives a portion of the Dare County occupancy taxes. The Town does not collect the tax, nor does it receive the full amount of the tax collected from individual rental properties in Southern Shores. For a full explanation of the process of occupancy tax collection and distribution by Dare County, […]

“The Fire Department”(1/23/2017)-The Southern Shores Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. is a separate entity, independent of any local government. Chartered as a North Carolina not for profit corporation, the SSVFD exists for the specific purpose of providing fire protection services to client-customers. Currently, its client-customers are the Town of Southern Shores and Dare County for its unincorporated area […]

Beach Accesses(1/20/2017)-The Town of Southern Shores does not own or control any accesses from a public street right-of-way to the public trust ocean beach. The Town has permission from the Southern Shores Civic Association to use three of that entity’s accesses to the beach for the limited purpose of access by emergency response personnel. Owners of […]

Taxpayers’ Dollars Are Only Used For Public Purposes(7/2/2015)-The Town of Southern Shores strives to use its taxpayers’ dollars wisely. Your public tax dollars may only be used by the Town for a public purpose. Therefore the Town cannot and will not use your tax dollars for any improvements or repairs to properties in Town owned by individuals or other entities and for […]

Narrow Streets Are Safer!(6/24/2015)-Narrow Streets Are Safer! Recently, studies have been mentioned in social media and in published letters and emails to suggest that narrow streets are safer. Your Town agrees! What is the definition of a “narrow street”? Many recent studies state that “narrow” streets are streets no greater than 26 feet wide, and are the safest. […]

Rumor or Fact?(6/3/2015)-June 3, 2015. Your Town is committed to protecting your tax dollar investment by keeping your public streets safe and maintained. Over the years since the Town’s beginning in 1979, many of the streets your Town received from a developer or a property owners’ association have had to be completely removed and rebuilt due to […]

Rumor or Fact?(3/24/2015)-March 24, 2015. The Town of Southern Shores continues to work hard to provide a safe, clean, and beautiful public trust ocean beach for all residents, property owners, and visitors. The Town of Southern Shores is not considering any acquisition of oceanfront property.

Special Session Called(12/12/2016)-The Governor has called the General Assembly into a special session convening Tuesday December 13th at 10:00 AM to deal with recent disaster recovery efforts and any other matters lawmakers decide to consider. Governor’s Proclamation: http://www.ncleg.net/sessions/2015/2016Proclamation3rdExtraSession.pdf General Assembly website: http://www.ncleg.net/